Cradle to Grave (Will Rees Mysteries) by Kuhns, Eleanor(June 17, 2014) Hardcover

Will Rees Mysteries #3

by Eleanor Kuhns

Will Rees is adjusting to life on his Maine farm in 1797, but he's already hungering for the freedom of the road, and his chance to travel comes sooner than he expects. Lydia has just received a letter from her old friend Mouse, a soft-spoken and gentle woman who now lives in the Shaker community in Mount Unity, New York. To Lydia and Rees's astonishment, she's in trouble with the law. She's kidnapped five children, claiming that their mother, Maggie Whitney, is unfit to care for them.Despite the wintry weather and icy roads, Rees and Lydia set out for New York, where they sadly conclude that Mouse is probably right and the children would be better off with her. There's nothing they can do for Mouse legally, though, and they reluctantly set out for home. But before they've travelled very far, they receive more startling Maggie Whitney has been found murdered, and Mouse is the prime suspect.In Cradle to Grave, Eleanor Kuhns returns with the clever plotting, atmospheric historical detail, and complexly drawn characters that have delighted fans and critics in her previous books.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

Hardcover

First published June 17, 2014

About the author

Eleanor is a lifelong librarian. She wrote her first story at the age of ten and hasn't stopped since. She lives with her husband and dog in New York State.

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #3 in the Will Rees historical mystery series. In this edition, Will and his new wife Lydia are asked by a friend to come investigate an accusation of kidnapping. That charge soon turns into murder. Luckily, Will has a talent for investigating these types of crimes, something he developed while serving in the Revolutionary war.

I really enjoy this series and I think it continues to improve with each novel as the characters become more defined. Also, author Eleanor Kuhns does her research in the time period of colonial America to make this a very interesting environment. This is a series that should be read from the beginning as the author will reference Will's previous cases. Recommend to those who enjoy a changing and growing series in a unique setting.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best Will Rees yet. As usual, the social milieu and tone of the writing really transport you to the time and place. Many times when I read mysteries, I am simultaneously figuring out the ending, but with these I am so involved in the story I don't even think about trying to sort out the ending and that makes for a much more satisfying read. Like Anne Perry, the characters are compelling and the place feels real enough to keep you invested the entire time.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Kuhns succeeds in not only transporting me back to a time in America's infancy, but in also creating such a satisfying puzzle, revealing some of the history of that time, populating it with sympathetic and unsympathetic characters, and convincing me of the wrongs that people did (and continue to do to one another in the name of things that should matter less) to one another. A great read.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just really enjoy this series, where Will Rees is actually a private detective in the 1790's before private detectives even existed! Also, nobody pays him to solve the murders that he solves. He fought in the Revolutionary War and is actually a traveling weaver who owns a small farm in northern Maine before Maine even became a state. Most of this book (number three in the series) takes place in upstate New York, and the weather is again a formidable character in the story. Will and his new wife, Lydia, are called to a Shaker colony about four days' journey (by horse and buggy) away because a young friend has been accused of kidnapping and has asked for their help. Soon there's a murder and the search for a killer is on. Eleanor Kuhns' brand of historical fiction is character driven but the harsh conditions of the 1790's are always evident. I can certainly imagine the lives of the poor people and also the well-to-do as the story progresses. The plot is well researched and the mysteries are very real. It was an engrossing read; I hope the series continues for many more books. It's now one of my favorites!

[Patti Procopi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series that takes place in America 20 some years after the Revolutionary War. While I appreciate the writing, and the descriptions of life during that time, I'm beginning to find the 'mystery' a bit repetitive with too many characters and intertwining family secrets. I like a mystery where there are enough clues so you can kind of guess - figure out who the murderer is. In this book, our hero William Rees, a weaver, asks lots of questions and sticks his nose into everyone's business and yet, the murderer isn't revealed until the last pages.
As I said, I do enjoy the characters - very believable - the setting and the writing. The mysteries need work! ha! Though I'll probably keep reading the series.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 bk 193. Mouse is in trouble. Mouse, the young Shaker lady, friend of both Lydia and Rees, has been accused of abducting 5 children. What else can the newly married couple do. It is the middle of winter in 1797 and David, his son, needs them on the farm. But when David hears it is Mouse, who he also knew from his time with the Shakers, he sends them off with his blessings. A trip in 1797 is no easy task and when they arrive, the trouble is more than Mouse abducting the children. Two deaths, threats against the Shakers, infidelity, and local poverty practices all collide in this look into the world of 1797 rural New York. Excellent read that I could not put down.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comments by the author at the end of audiobook gives me reassurance of good research. There is human interest, a picture of religion and governance of towns in the time period. Their live were difficult, for sure. The mystery is compelling. I like this series very much and will continue it.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cradle to Grave is the first book I’ve read by Eleanor Kuhns, and having read the book I’ll be picking up her two previous novels Death of a Dyer and A Simple Murder the latter of which was the winner of the Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award.

Cradle to Grave is a good old fashioned mystery in the same vein of Agatha Christie’s famed who-dun-its. Set in a Shaker community in late 1800s readers are once again meet Will Rees, protagonist carried over from Kuhns’ first two novels. Rees and his new wife Lydia receive a letter from a dear friend who has found herself in trouble after taking a group of children from the home of a woman she deems an unfit mother. Once hearing of the situation the couple immediately set out in the dead of winter to help their friend Mouse in any way they can.

When the woman Mouse kidnapped the children from is found murdered things get worse for Mouse as she is targeted for the murder. The allegations toward Mouse brings with it trouble for the Shaker community and has Rees, the burgeoning sleuth racing to find the killer and bring an end to the mayhem.

Kuhns’ plot is well done. It flows between subplots seamlessly and is easy to follow. That coupled with the short chapters make Cradle to Grave a swift, enjoyable read. The characters are wonderfully written; from a surly curmudgeon, the odd preacher to the children who tug at your heartstrings, each is believable.

Bottom line is if you’re looking for an enjoyable read for a day at the cottage or a gift for a dear friend you can’t go wrong with Cradle to Grave.

Disclaimer: A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Lynne Radcliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well write historical fiction. Going to be looking for more books by this author and with these characters. Love finding a new author that writes so well!

[Jane Night · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: Will and Lydia's friend, Mouse, send them a message that she is in legal trouble and needs their help. As they attempt to help their friend they get pulled into a much more complex situation including the murder of a widow with four young children.

Rating: 4/5


I really like this mystery series. I have read the first two books in the series and so far this book is my favorite.
This series is heavily character driven and because so much character stuff happens I feel like this series has to be read in order to be best enjoyed.
I loved Will and Lydia in this book as they help care for the children who were left orphaned. I was totally invested in the character stuff happening in the book though quite a bit less so in the actual mystery itself.
I also love all the discussions about history and especially things that are relevant today such as how we treat single mothers, how we treat men and women differently regarding illegitimate children, and how welfare systems that are in place sometimes don't meet the needs of the people in poverty.
I also love learning about the Shaker community which plays and important role in this book and other books in this series.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy character-focused historical mystery series. I think people who like the Gaslight Mystery Series by Victoria Thompson are also going to enjoy this series.

[Rosemary Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how to categorize what Will Rees does. In a more more modern era we would call him a private detective. In this, his third series appearance, what he does in the last decade of the 18th century doesn't yet have a name. It won't have a name for 50 years.

The fact that I struggle over this naming process is a compliment to his creator. She has made Will and his world very real. Who would think that a weaver in a small community in Maine, who has to travel to ply his trade, would be so engaging. In part, for me, it is that Kuhns has made Will's world so real.

Part of the appeal of this series for me is Will's regular interaction with the Shakers. I live less than 10 miles from the original Shaker settlement in upstate New York, and I am surrounded by physical evidence of the very singular world, now reduced to historic sites and beautiful artifacts, that "peculiar people" created in the 18th and 19th century.

But the Shaker beliefs, on display in this book, caused them problems with "the World". And writers, especially mystery writers, live to create problems for their characters.

[Lauren Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Almost everyone in Dover Springs had lied to him, of that he was certain. He needed to clear away all this lies people in Dover springs had told him and lay bare the truth" (p. 313)

This was a very enjoyable read. Cradle to Grave tells the story of the betrayal and murder of a mother whom the late 1700's town of Dover springs considered to be undesirable. The story introduces us to a wide array of interesting characters, but by far the children are the ones that stole the show for me! You can also really tell how much effort was put into getting the atmosphere of the late 1700's right.

Overall I would recommend this book to any mystery fans. I myself plan to check out some of the other books in this series.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and Rees is mellowing out a bit--perhaps secondary to Lydia's influence. They fo to New York in the dead of winter because their friend mouse is in trouble. She has tried to take a group of five children away from a mother she thinks is unfit. While they are there trying to sort things out, the mother is murdered, and then they are both trying to clear Mouse's name and caring for the children. It is a good tale, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Owlsinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great character development; Will has apparently come around in his acceptance of Lydia's partnership in the investigations, and respecting her new place in the center of his life. Maybe a future book will describe their wedding? They're on the road in this one - with the expected anger on son David's part - and an almost totally new supporting cast, allowing the folks back home in Dugard, Maine, to remain fresh for our next visit. My first question for the author: were constables a common feature in post-colonial American towns?

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows Will Rees and his wife as they go to a Shaker community in New York to help out a friend. A murder happens and Rees investigates. This is the third in a series but the first I have read. I enjoyed it but think I would have been more vested in the characters if I had read the first two before reading this one. Overall a good mystery read.

I received a free copy from Goodreads but my opinions are my own.

[Lisa Chapmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will and his wife Lydia go to help their friend mouse after she is in trouble for kidnap. This later turns into a murder investigation as they set out to clear their friends name whilst unravelling secrets that have been kept for years. Although this is book 3 I have not read the other 2 and this was ok as a standalone. I really enjoyed reading this book and did not guess anything it kept you gripped to the end

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Rees sets off to the Shaker community in New York to rescue his wife's friend, Sister Hannah/Mouse. She has become attached to a family, but the mother isn't thrilled with it. After setting off back home, they find out that the mother has been killed and Mouse is a suspect.

Turns out old secrets amongst the town folk are more likely to have led to the mother's death.

Periodically difficult to follow.

[Tomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fascinating for the superb historical research alone. The mysteries are hard to solve, not because the clues are not revealed to the reader, but due to the fact that there is no forensic technology. The inclusion of the Shakers and their beliefs adds another layer of fascination. Most people are familar with the Quakers and the Amish, but not much is known about the Shakers. I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weaver Will Rees and his wife Lydia travel to upstate New York to help a Shaker friend who is accused of kidnapping five young children.

But Will is drawn into a murder investigation and soon finds himself unraveling a small town's long-kept secrets to solve the mystery.

This post Revolutionary War series continues to shine.

[Tess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this free copy from the author through Goodreads Giveaways.

This is the first book I have read by the author. Since I haven't read the first two in the series, there was a bit of catch up and some missing pieces. I liked the historical setting, characters, and plot. It was a quick and enjoyable read.

[Rita Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. The plot is delightfully twisty; the characters feel like people I have know for years; and the historical setting is fascinating. I especially enjoyed the dialogs that dealt with experiences during the Revolutionary War, which was, of course, a mere 20 years prior. I've already embarked on the next book in the series and intend to keep going.

[JoAnn Steinly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series more with every book.
Rees and Lydia are married and travel to help a friend. This involves several young children living in poverty.
While being fascinated by the rules governing the town during this time period, I also enjoyed watching the characters develop and respond to all they learn as they care for the children and try to find justice.

[Arnold Kanarek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Will Rees series finds Will remarried and on to a new investigation. I enjoyed how the author was able to deal with the characters in new settings and situations. MS. Kuhns really brings you into the lives of the personalities and makes you curious as to how they will handle the new challenges.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written i liked it .. interesting story line which i enjoyed that it was historically accurate which is always a big plus to me and i did not guess who the killer was till close to the end which for me is good because most of the time i figure it out before the middle of the book

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in one of the Giveaways. Having read the first two in the Will Rees series I have gotten to know the characters and found this book to be as equally enjoyable as the others. Looking forward to reading the next ones in this series. Thank You

[Sandy Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look into live within a Shaker community and the inherent trials involved. When the Rees' are asked to come to the aid of an old friend charged with kidnapping, they had no idea their visit would involve murder, theft, and intrigue. Great story.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

No part of this makes any sense. From the weaver who comes into town and is accepted as an investigator, to the woman living in poverty with a hidden cache of coins that were too large to be conveniently used....entirely unconvincing.

[Judy Crudele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, however I found the ending confusing. Not sure how Will Rees comes up with his conclusions in solving the murders. Maybe I missed something. That being said, I will continue on to the next book.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed - just checked out her book # 1 in this series...A Simple Murder. The timeline precedes the one I just read. In the one just finished I learned some facts I didn't know about the Revolutionary War.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me months to finish. I'd go to pick it up again and realize it had been moving incredibly slowly. It seemed like it was much longer than it had to be. I liked the ending well enough, but it's going to be a while before I pick up Will Rees #4.